USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Greenfield > History of Greefield, shire town of Franklin county, Massachusetts, Vol. II > Part 17
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1892, March 31. Noble P. Phillips died, aged 85. An honest and respected man.
1892, May 16. Alonzo Parker died, aged 85. Mr. Parker was suffocated by entering the well containing a gas machine which supplied gas for his house. He came to Greenfield when the manufacture of planes was removed from Conway to this town, and was the agent and active manager of the Green- field Tool Company. He was a builder of great experience, having designed and built two churches in Conway, one in South Hadley and one in North Adams. He was a fine me- chanic, and was instrumental in bringing to town some of the best citizens the place ever had. When the Greenfield Tool Factory began work, with its hundred young men, mostly di- rect from the farms of Franklin county, the town received a direct benefit of countless value, far transcending any pecuniary loss suffered by the failure of the concern.
1892, June 5. Henry A. Potter died, aged 73. He was brother of George W. Potter, an honest, exemplary man. He was extremely fond of fox hunting, and never became so old but that with elastic step he would travel the hills and valleys in successful pursuit of the cunning fox.
1892, June 6. William L. Taintor died, aged 60. Mr. Taintor was constable of the town for many years, and never
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failed to perform any duty imposed upon him by his supe- rior officer.
1892, October 19. Charles Henry died, aged 76. Mr. Henry was a native of Halifax, a descendant of Hugh Henry, one of the first settlers of Colrain. He lived in Greenfield about forty years. He was one of the stage drivers on the old line extending from Hartford to Hanover, N. H. For several years he was partner of John J. Graves in the grocery trade and afterward with L. L. Luey, and later with Wm. M. Smead. He was fond of a practical joke, was everybody's friend, a good citizen and kind neighbor. Every- body loved him, and when it was found that he was the bonds- man holden for a large sum to the town for money embez- zled by its treasurer, the town voted to instruct its officers not to enforce the penalty of the bond.
1893, January 8. James Madison Ames died, aged 87. Son of Captain Ambrose Ames, always lived in Greenfield, was a farmer, upright, honest and a capable business man.
1893, March 7. George E. Lyons died, aged 42. Mr. Lyons was a native of Gill. He was a well known granite contractor, and was connected with A. H. Wright. He had recently purchased extensive quarries at Dummerston, Vt., and was giving employment to a large number of hands. He was a respected citizen, doing much for the prosperity of the town.
1893, August 3. Charles M. Stratton died, aged 70. Mr. Stratton and his brother Edwin A. came to Greenfield in 1848, and were connected with the steammill (now B. B. Noyes). In 1869 they obtained a patent for a spirit level which they have manufactured with success ever since. They were both fine mechanics and citizens of solid worth.
1893, September 1. Charles P. Wright died, aged 62. Mr. Wright was an honored citizen of Montague for many years, where he was in trade with Isaac Chenery. While well known in Greenfield he had been a resident but a com-
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paratively short time, but he was known to be of sterling worth.
1893, December 3. John C. Spring died, aged 70. A native of Palmer ; came to Greenfield in 1848. He was en- gaged in manufacturing sash doors and blinds for some years. He collected the taxes in town for many years, and was a faithful officer.
1893, November 4. Salmon H. Long died at Danville, Cal., aged 60. He was son of Lemuel H. Long, born in Greenfield ; he was musical in his tastes and had a music store in San Francisco until about four years before his death he retired to a fruit farm on account of poor health.
1893, December 8. Joel Lyons died, aged 80. Son of Dr. Joel Lyons of Gill he learned his trade of cabinet making of his kinsman, Lucius Lyons of Colrain. He formed a part- nership with the late Isaac Miles in 1837, which lasted for thirty-two years. He continued the business alone until his age and deafness rendered it desirable that he retire. He was upright and honorable and died much respected.
1894, January 2. Frederick G. Smith died, aged 70. Mr. Smith came to Greenfield with his father, Deacon Moses Smith in 1839. He was the youngest of thirteen children. He resided on the old family homestead in the Meadows until about 1887, when he removed to the village. He was asses- sor for many years, and selectman in 1864-67-68-69, and just finished a service of nine years as county commissioner. " He was a man of few words, dignified and reserved, but kind of heart, a good neighbor and constant friend."
1894, March 4. Samuel J. Lyons died, aged 82. He was a brother of the late Joel Lyons, and well known in Franklin county, where he had been the leading insurance agent for forty years. He was secretary of the Franklin County Agricultural Society for several years. He was trust- worthy and reliable in his business affairs and a companionable man.
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1894, December 26. Rufus A. Packard died, aged 60. Mr. Packard was a native of Monson. He came to Greenfield from Palmer in 1855, as a clerk in the Franklin County Bank, when Charles I. Fuller was made cashier. After five years Mr. Fuller died and Mr. Packard became cashier. The bank took possession of its present building in 1870, and when the Greenfield Savings Bank was organized, Mr. Packard became its treasurer, in addition to his other duties. In 1873 he re- signed and established a private banking house, but in 1875 organized the Packard National Bank, of which he became cashier. In 1884 he became president of the Packard Na- tional Bank, and William G. Packard cashier. He was often called to positions of trust in the settlement of sizable estates, and was conservative and painstaking in the discharge of all such matters. He did much for the interest of the Library Association, and was a valued citizen.
1895, January 2. Elisha Wells died, aged 74. Mr. Wells was born in Buckland. Nearly all his life was spent in the working of steel in some of its forms, and there was no man who better understood the capabilities of that metal. In early life he worked at the Russell cutlery, and during the war in the manufactory of firearms at Windsor, Vt., where he dis- covered the adaptability of the drop in forming interchang- able parts of fire locks. In 1870 he and his sons Frederick E. and Frank O. Wells organized the firm of Wells Brothers, which is now one of the most flourishing business industries of the town. He was a man of tireless activity and though modest and retiring, he took great interest in all public af- fairs.
1895, January 8. Frank B. Whitney died, aged 57. Mr. Whitney was a native of Marlboro, Vt., and came here in 1866. He was an intelligent, honest and hard working mechanic, whose thorough work upon some of the best of our houses will serve to bring him to the kindly remembrance of our citi- zens for many years to come.
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1895, January 22. David Lyon died, aged 67. He was born in Ludlow, came here from Cabbotville (Chicopee), when he was twenty years old and began work for Richard E. Field, who in those days was a noted coach builder. For many years he was connected with the water department as chief engineer or water commissioner, and was always faithful in every position of trust.
1895, February I. Eunice Wells Moors died aged 68. Mrs. Moors only survived her husband, Reverend Dr. Moors, three days. She was a daughter of Reverend Preserved Smith, a celebrated teacher, and a woman of solid worth.
1895, February 6. Miss Frances Bardwell, for many years a member of the faculty at Mount Holyoke, died aged 67.
1895, February 20. Charles Keith died, aged 66. Mr. Keith was a native of the town and a brother of William Keith, deceased. He was the clerk of the American House for his brother, and finally purchased the personal property and sold it to Mr. Simons. After leaving the hotel business he was in the grocery trade during the rest of his life. He was a sterling Democrat, and was postmaster during Cleveland's first term. Kind and obliging, he satisfied all whether of his political opinion, or of another faith. He was a director in the Franklin County National Bank, and served as selectman many years. " He was not only true and upright in all his dealings, but he had a heart full of charity for those who needed it."
1895, May 22. Henry W. Warner died aged 71. Born at Weathersfield, Conn., in 1828, when quite young he learned the trade of an axe maker. He came early to the cutlery works of the J. Russell Company and was always ac- tively connected with the mechanical industries of the town. He made a snug fortune in the manufacture of baby carriage trimmings, and articles of that nature. He was very ingenious, and had the ability and courage necessary to make a success of his opportunities.
1895, May 30. Joel De Wolf died, aged 71. Born in
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West Deerfield, he was always well known in Greenfield, and became a resident of this town about 1890. He was a man of good judgment and the owner of much valuable real estate.
1895, June 3. John Putnam, a well known colored man, died at the Insane Hospital at Northampton, aged 75. For years John was the village barber and the prompter at all the village dances. He was polite and gentlemanly to every one, and a kindly man.
1895, October 23. James L. Farr, killed by fall from his hay mow, aged 64.
1896, January 8. Daniel W. Spear died, aged 79. He was a son of Benjamin Spear, and a native of Greenfield. He was a man of good judgment, and becoming possessed of land near the village by its rise in value, and his good manage- ment, he accumulated a good estate. He graded and gave the larger part of the land where Union street now is. When he built his house on High street, in 1856, there was no other house between that and the Clapp corner.
1896, January 9. Henry C. Harris died, aged 76. Born in Brattleboro, Vt., he came here in 1852, and was for many years in the employ of the Russell Company. For many years he was always the first man to pay his town taxes.
1896, July 27. Joseph H. Hollister died, aged 74 years and six months. He was born at Fairfield, N. Y., the son of an Episcopal minister, whose acquaintance with Rev- erend Dr. Strong made the way for Mr. Hollister's coming to Greenfield. He came to Greenfield in 1843, and worked for the resident jeweller, whom he soon bought out, and be- gan a business career which lasted for forty-three years, he being at his decease the only person doing business in the village who was in trade when he commenced. He was a person of great individuality, of strong common sense, industrious, of the most strict integrity, and fair in all his business relations. He took deep interest in everything which could in any way promote the advancement of the town, always refused public
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office, but carefully watched public officers, and made his in- fluence felt for the public good.
1896, September 2. Henry Sheldon died, aged 76. Born in Leyden he came to Greenfield about 1876. He was select- man and assessor of Leyden several years, and also served as assessor in Greenfield. He was quiet in manner, honest and respected.
1896, October 26. Ralph Wells died, aged 92. Mr. Wells was the last of the children of Captain William Wells of Shelburne, and had lived in Greenfield many years. His grandfather, Colonel David Wells, was a noted officer in the Revolutionary War, and the family were noted for strong good sense and ability. Mr. Wells was a very modest man, of keen intellect and great kindness of heart.
1897, January 23. Obed U. Bass, died at Elba, Minn. He was a native of Greenfield, and was a self-made man. Having a great desire for an education, and having of necessity to make his own way in the world, he studied and recited to Reverend Dr. Chandler, who took great interest in him. He graduated at Union College, and was a successful teacher for many years. He established a young ladies' school at Smyrna, Del., which was successfully sustained for several years.
1897, January 30. John Horr died, aged 86. He was a faithful employee of the Russell Cutlery Company for the greater part of his life.
1897, February 9. Dr. Frank D. Beals died, aged 46. Born in Greenfield, and learning his profession from his father, the late Joseph Beals, he was one of the best known dentists in the valley. He was a fine singer, of very pleasant manners, and a favorite in the village society. He was located in Corning, N. Y., from 1876 to 1886, otherwise his life was spent in Greenfield.
1897, February 12. Charles R. Field died, aged 67. Mr. Field was born in Greenfield, son of Richard E. Field, the old- time coach builder. When a young man he entered the gro-
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cery trade with the late Thomas Wait and Charles F. Fay. About 1856 he began the manufacture of children's carriages, which he continued until nearly the time of his death. He was much interested in every movement which tended to make Greenfield a handsomer and better town, and faithfully served in the offices of assessor and selectman for many years. He was a strong man in the Democratic party, and was honored in being its nominee as auditor for the com- monwealth. He faithfully fulfilled all the requirements of true citizenship, and died honored and respected.
1897, May 15. George A. Arms died, aged 82. Mr. Arms was born in Deerfield, but when a child moved to Can- ada, into the wilderness. Afterward the family returned to Deerfield, where the young man received his schooling at the district school and the old academy. When nineteen he went to Boston to seek his fortune, having upon his arrival $1.27 in his pocket. He found employment and after three or four years went to Northfield asa clerk, and soon entered busi- ness for himself. He spent several years in the south and west, and accumulated some estate. In 1859 he purchased the stock in trade of Wells & Smead in Greenfield, and suc- cessfully carried on business here until he retired in 1887, with a good fortune.
1897, November 5. Matthew Chapman died, aged 85. Mr. Chapman was a native of Scotland ; he learned his trade in Sheffield, and in 1841 came to America, and soon after came to Greenfield in the employ of the Russell Cutlery Com- pany. He was a man of great mechanical skill, and soon worked himself up to the charge of the forging department of that concern, and was in a few years the superintendent of the works. He was a man of sterling worth, greatly respected by all who knew him.
1897, November 6. At Omaha, Neb., John Sawtelle New- ton, a brother of Harvey C. Newton. Mr. Newton was a descendant of that John Newton who came here from Con-
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necticut about the time of the Revolution, and settled about two miles north of the village. He was an honest, intelligent, hard working farmer, and a man of sterling worth.
1897. Captain Henry T. Hall, a native of Greenfield, and a member of the 34th Massachusetts Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, died at Medford, November 15. He was a son of Richardson Hall, a former Greenfield merchant.
1897, December 5. William H. Sanborn died, aged 75. Mr. Sanborn was born at Strafford, Vt. When a youth he went to Boston and became a clerk in the store of Jordan, Marsh & Co. In 1852 he came to Greenfield, and in com- pany with the late T. Dwight Root established a first-class dry- goods store under the name of "The Ladies' Exchange." Soon after he came into possession of the property now known as "Sanborn's Block " which consisted of three old wooden two-story buildings, which had been badly damaged by fire at different times. Mr. Sanborn achieved success, and in 1864 retired from business and removed to New Haven. While there he was a member of the city government, but in 1881 came back to Greenfield and resumed business with a nephew as his partner. He was captain in the military of the village, state senator in 1863, and for many years a member of the finance committee of the town. He was generous in matters which excited his interests, a good neighbor and an exemplary citizen.
1898, February 13. Lathrop T. Smith died, aged 62. Born in Greenfield where he spent his life, he was much respected as a faithful, honest man.
1898, April 14. Brooks M. Lincoln died at Hartford, aged 46. He was a native of Greenfield and was a well known architect, having been for two years engaged upon plans for Trinity College. He also drew the plans for Madi- son Square Theatre, New York.
1898, May 5. Miss Catherine C. Kendricken died from the result of burns caused by the overturning of a kerosene
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lamp. She was about eighteen years of age, a member of the high school and greatly beloved.
1898, September 14. John Flavel Griswold aged 73, died. Mr. Griswold was a grandson of Reverend Theophalas Gris- wold, an early settler of Greenfield, and was born and always lived on the old family homestead. He was a celebrated local teacher and nearly his whole active life was spent in teaching in Greenfield.
1898, October 10. Station Agent Mark M. Howard, aged 58, died from the effect of an overdose of laudanum, purposely taken. He had been in the employ of the railroad company at this place many years and was a valuable man, but became discouraged by ill health.
1898, November 17. Hart Phillips, aged 98 years, 7 months and 4 days, died at Hoosac Falls, N. Y. Al- though a native of Gill, he was well known in Greenfield, and was a carpenter by trade and largely employed by the Walter A. Wood Company. He was a grandson of Captain Elisha Mack, a Revolutionary soldier.
1899, January 4. Ansel A. Rankin, for half a century a citizen of Greenfield, died in Springfield, aged 74. He came from Montague and entered into the manufacture of monu- mental work which he continued during his residence in town. He was chief of the fire department for many years and long a member of the water board.
1899, March I. Levi W. Rice, for more than half a cen- tury a well known resident of Greenfield, died aged 77. Mr. Rice was a bookbinder and was a first-class workman. His good work shows in our libraries and county offices. He be- came partially paralyzed a few years before his death and was compelled to give up his work, and died of a paralytic shock.
1899, March 8. Edward N. Childs, aged 64, a citizen of Greenfield, was found dead in his sleigh in the road near Briar Hill, Ashfield. He was a member of the Edwin E. Day Army Post and served in the 15th New York Engineers dur-
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ing the War of the Rebellion. He was a mason by trade and died of heart disease. He had lived in Springfield for a short time before his death.
1899, May 8. John F. Washburn, aged 84, died at the house of Marvin S. Fellows of heart complaint. Mr. Wash- burn was a native of Colrain, but the greater part of his life was spent in Barre, where he was one of its leading citizens.
July 21, 1899. 3 Sylvester W. Hall, over sixty years a resident of this town died, aged 83. He was born in Ashfield ; for many years he followed the business of moving buildings.
August 19, 1899. Jonas W. Moore died, aged 97 years. He was born in Malboro, Vt., and came to Greenfield when twenty-one years of age. His father purchased the farm now known as the "town farm" where he resided until 1844. Mr. Moore, the subject of this sketch, retained his activity and memory to a remarkable degree, and his relations of the manners and customs of the early times were very interesting. He was an honest and intelligent citizen.
August 24, 1899. Frederick Hawks died, aged 82. Mr. Hawks represented the ancient family of that name in Green- field, and was a descendant of the " hero of Fort Massachusetts," a fact in which he took much pride, as he ought. He was born in Deerfield and learned the trade of bridge building of Major Ora Sheldon of Cheapside. He had a most wonder- ful memory for dates and occurrences, and was a valued member of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association.
September 14, 1899. Barnabas Snow, aged 81, died from heart trouble. He was returning from the village to his home, when driving up Federal street an electric car came up behind, frightening his horse, which ran, the carriage striking a tree and throwing Mr. Snow out. Mr. Snow was dead when Dr. O'Brien arrived, although no injuries appeared upon his body.
November 11, 1899. David Wright aged 72, died. He had been employed in the railroad service for forty-two years.
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He was trackman, fireman, engineer, and for thirteen years master mechanic at the East Deerfield station. He retired in 1892, because of failing health.
November 28, 1899. Timothy McDonald died, aged 103 years, 7 months and 22 days. He was born " two days after the French entered Bantry bay," which was April 4, 1796. He came to America in 1848, and worked for Parley Starr in Jacksonville, Vt., fourteen years. He was a tanner and came to Greenfield and worked for Lyman G. Barton for many years.
December 2, 1899. Henry C. Willard aged 63, died. Mr. Willard was a son of the late David Willard, the histo- rian of Greenfield, and had been for several years managing the Hovey pharmacy. Mr. Willard was a warm-hearted gentle- man, and had many friends.
December 8, 1899. Henry W. Brackett died, aged 76. He was born at Green River, Vt., and came to Greenfield in 1856, and worked for the J. Russell Cutlery Company many years. He was a soldier in the 10th regiment.
February 1, 1900. Major H. Tyler aged 77, died. He was the pioneer newsman and telegraph operator of the town, and was for many years express agent. His bright sayings and cheerful ways made him a general favorite.
February 25, 1900. Miss Emma E. Cottrell died from injuries caused by a fall on the ice. She was an untiring worker in the Second Congregational parish, and greatly aided in the charitable work of the town.
February 27, 1900. Charles H. McClellen, aged 55, of Troy, N. Y. died of heart disease at Windsor, Vt. He was a native of Colrain, but came to Greenfield when a youth and was for many years one of its leading merchants. He was very prominent in Masonic affairs, and had given much time and study to the early history of his native town, and had frequently delivered addresses upon historical occa- sions.
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March 17, 1900. Eben Allen Hall, editor and publisher of the Gazette & Courier, died in New Orleans, aged 60. Mr. and Mrs. Hall were members of the New England party attending the meeting of the National Editorial Association at New Orleans. Mr. Hall had been in delicate health for several years, but he had taken long periods of rest and had lately seemed much improved. He was a native of Taunton, and learned the printer's trade in the office of the Bristol County Republican. His brother, James M. Hall, was a resident of Greenfield, and this in part induced him to come here as the foreman of the office of the Gazette & Courier, then owned by S. S. Eastman and Colonel Ansel Phelps. Mr. Hall had just returned from service in the war, being orderly sergeant of a company in the 39th Massachusetts Volunteers. Colonel Phelps died in 1868 and Mr. Eastman purchased the interest of his estate, and January 1, 1869, sold one-third interest in the office to Mr. Hall. February 1, 1876, Mr. Eastman sold out to Mr. Hall, his health requiring his relinquishment of business. His management of the Gazette was eminently successful. Mr. Hall was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1879, and of the Council in 1883 and 1884. His life and character was summed up by a number of his contemporaries, in the Gazette of March 24, 1900.
April 27, 1900. Mrs. Maria E. Conkey, aged 69, living alone in Cheapside, undertaking to burn some brush near her house, in some way set her clothes on fire, and was fatally burned.
1900, June I. Dr. Samuel Leonard aged 81, died. Dr. Leonard was a dentist and practised in this town for many years. He was a kindly hearted gentleman and very fond of a good horse.
August 15, 1900. Jonathan Johnson aged 75, died. For years he was a subscription agent, and travelled this county and the neighboring counties of Vermont and New Hamp- shire over in pursuit of his calling. He was a valuable mem-
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ber of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, as he knew every spot of historical interest in this vicinity.
1900, September 24. Frank J. Pratt aged 71, died. Mr. Pratt was a prominent citizen of the county for many years. He was the acknowledged leader of the Democratic party, and was the delegate to three national conventions, by reason of which he became intimate with the leaders of that party. He was a polished gentleman, of fine personal appear- ance, and had great persuasive powers. He did efficient service as collector of internal revenue during one of Cleve- land's administrations. In Masonic circles, Mr. Pratt stood very high, and was largely instrumental in organizing Moun- tain Lodge at Shelburne Falls. He was an invalid for the last five years of his life, but brave and patient to the end.
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